Dandelions

It was quite recently I read this appeal
which at first glance seemed unreal:
“Don't spray or pull dandelions, please,
they're the first source of food for bees.”
I did not think that insects had the need
to be sustained by a troublesome weed.
The more I read, the more I understood
that this unloved plant can also be good.
Although its appearance is not aesthetic
it has proved most effective as a diuretic.
The dent-de-lion may be made into wine
and this application sounds actually fine.
To this humble plant I have been unkind
but it looks as if I must change my mind;
admit that it is time to accept with jollity
this botanical growth's restorative quality.

I hadn't heard they might be useful nectar sources of bees. I have written a couple of shorties about them in the past, on the cheeriness when they open after drizzle has stopped and along the roadside as 'dandy lions'! Rhiannon

Always in awe of those who can make rhyme look so easy, but this poem is about wildlife so it's great for two reasons! And it's as jolly as the flower is. I have read several beautiful dandelion poems on ABC but this is the first with such a clear message about how important they are.

Also, thankyou for posting the facebooj link, that looks really interesting! Cat is tapdancing on my keyboard but I will look at it later

I am very pleased to hear that you appreciate this poem, Di, and that the message comes across loud and clear.
Your reference to the cat dancing on your keyboard reminds me of my daughter's cat who several times disconnected the phone conversation while she was in mid sentence to me, by jumping on the keys.
Thanks for reading and your kind words.

Hi Jenny, I have read that the leaves are edible but haven't tasted them. I leave it to my wife to experiment with dandelions, nasturtiums and other vegetation. I am not that adventurous when it comes to salads.